On January 13, 2025, Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bødskov visited The European-Ukrainian Hub to to learn about the project's results and talk with Ukrainian entrepreneurs who are developing their own businesses in Denmark. This is already the third visit by Morten Bødskov to the Hub, highlighting the importance of the program in supporting Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Denmark and facilitating the integration of Ukrainians into the local business environment. During the meeting, the Minister personally spoke with Ukrainian entrepreneurs who have made significant progress thanks to the Hub's program.
Successes of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs
The European-Ukrainian Hub has become an essential platform for developing entrepreneurial initiatives among Ukrainian refugees. Over 1,000 Ukrainians have participated in the program, and its results are impressive:
- 23% of participants have already started their own business or are in the final stages of launching one;
- 62% of entrepreneurs managed to increase their revenue;
- 27% created new jobs;
The average number of contacts with Danish entrepreneurs has increased from 5 to 9.5, significantly improving opportunities for integration and collaboration.
During the meeting, the Minister had the opportunity to learn about the success stories of Ukrainian entrepreneurs:
- Anastasia Volya (Анастасія Воля) is opening a beauty salon importing products from Ukraine.
- Yulia Dmukh (Юлія Дмух) develops eco-friendly toys and holds workshops that promote cultural exchange between Ukrainians and Danes.
- Victoria Sapronova (Вікторія Сапронова) represents a company specializing in upholstery services, including furniture restoration, car seat repairs, and the production of frameless tent structures.
Continuation of Funding and Program Expansion
In addition to meeting with the entrepreneurs, Minister Bødskov announced an important news: the Danish Business Development Council (Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse) will allocate an additional 3 million Danish kroner to support the European-Ukrainian Hub program. Thanks to this funding, the program will continue until mid-2026, allowing another 700 Ukrainians to gain the necessary knowledge, mentorship, and access to business networks in Denmark.
More details on this decision can be found on the Denmark’s Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs website: link
Morten Bødskov remarked:
“Denmark will continue to support Ukraine in every possible way. We have already made a significant contribution to military aid, but it is equally important to provide support that helps Ukrainians develop their skills, build businesses, and prepare for the country's recovery. This initiative will help Ukrainians find their place in Denmark and contribute to the rebuilding of Ukraine's economy after the war.”
Christian Motzfeldt, Chairman of the Danish Business Development Council, also emphasized:
“Investing in Ukrainian entrepreneurs is not only about supporting self-employment but also contributing to the economic recovery of Ukraine. The program has already helped thousands of Ukrainians, and now we will be able to assist hundreds more ambitious individuals in finding their place in the business world”.
The European-Ukrainian Hub – A Bridge Between Ukraine and Denmark
The European-Ukrainian Hub remains a key platform that helps Ukrainian entrepreneurs implement their ideas and adapt to the business environment in Denmark. With the support of the Danish government, local companies, and civil society organizations, Ukrainians have the opportunity not only to start their own businesses but also to strengthen economic ties between Denmark and Ukraine.
We encourage all interested Ukrainians to join the program and take the opportunity to realize their entrepreneurial ambitions!
